Nina summoned courage to talk to her dad, Mr. Alfred.
*Nina calls her dad for the first time after what happened.
After 30 minutes on the call with her dad, Nina began to shed tears. She was quiet for the rest of the period till her dad hang up the call.
Since then, Nina had been cold, speechless, so confused and depressed.
Rex had tried asking Nina what the problem was but she wouldn't speak.
Later that day, Mr. Alfred called Rex and gave him strong caution not to touch Nina and make sure she sleeps alone. He said there's a a ritual to be performed before he can do that. He even cautioned Rex to cook his own food and eat alone and he meant it.
Rex calls Laura
Rex: How are you Laura? Hope u are fine?
Laura: I'm managing, yourself?
Rex: I'm good but seriously confused right now. Nina's dad called me and gave me a strong warning not to get closer to Nina in anyway, he claims there's a ritual to be performed. I don't know if it will affect you and Louis too. But I didn't ask about that anyway. Nina herself had been acting strange for some time now. She hasn't picked any call for hours now and she has refused to eat, talk or even take her bath. She has been sitting in the porch for the past 4hrs.
Laura: Maybe she is now regretting her actions. But come to think of it, what taboo deserves the ritual her dad is talking about. Because what I know is, if a ritual will be performed, it should be for the culprits, but he didn't make mention of adding Louis to the ritual. It's quite confusing.
Rex: That was exactly what I was thinking. But the man spoke with some kind of authority and he sounded so serious and disturbed.
Laura: Did you ask him what he did with the name he requested for?
Rex: No I couldn't ask him anything. Myself I'm confused at the moment.
Laura: Takes a deep breath. Well let's wait for what happens next. Louis has also been trying to convince me with lies but I kept ignoring him.
Rex: It's same thing Nina tried doing, but I barely have her a fair hearing.
Laura: Well I'm in the kitchen now, let's talk later. Bye.
Back to Ningo where Nina's parents reside.
Mr. Alfred goes to the chief palace to summon one Mad. Akorkor who hails from Tanchu but lives in Ningo with her family.
The summon was about a case that was settled in the palace barely 30 years ago.
*The Case*
Mr Alfred refused to take responsibility of a pregnancy carried by the said Mad. Akorkor. But after the verdict of the chief, Mr. Alfred was made to take responsibility and cater for the pregnant woman and the pregnancy till she delivers.
Mr. Alfred did as said by the chief for some months before he was called to go for military training after his medicals. It was impromptu so he left without informing anyone. The lady gave birth to a baby boy in his absence and everything was done by the woman's family in the absence of Mr. Alfred.
After training, he came back to take his child but the amount the family requested was so huge so he couldn't pay until he was transferred to his station.
Both parties got married and lived their separate lives for the past 30years. During this period Mr. Alfred tried to know the whereabouts of his child and the mother. He found out where they lived and once again confronted the family for his son, the lady refused giving the son back to him and refused showing him whom he is even.
That was the last time Mr. Alfred made an attempt on getting his son.
With the situation at hand, Mr. Alfred's investigations proved that, the man in question (Louis) is the son he has been chasing all this while.
He has therefore summoned Mad. Akorkor to tell him why she refused giving his son to him and now his children have caused an unknown taboo.
Rex called his brother and told him about all that happened and what Mr. Alfred told him to do.
His brother then advised him to go to Mr. Alfred and enquire what the taboo is all about and why it needs to be performed since they are Christians. Or better still send Nina to go stay with her family till the lockdown is over.
Rex then decided to rather go see Mr Alfred to seek for clarification on the said taboo.
Louis on the other hand didn't grow in the midst of any brothers and sisters, all he had was childhood friends he had while he stayed with his granny. So he called one of his trusted friends and told him about everything that had happened and how his home is disorganized at the moment.
His friend advised he doesn't allow his wife go anywhere and she should not be left alone, she might figure something out or perhaps take advise from a friend and do something silly.
Louis understood and accepted to do so.
Nina had since remained cold and depressed.
Mad. Akorkor was informed of the summons and was given the date to report at the palace for the issue at hand to be solved.
Rex informed Nina of his intentions of going to see her dad to discuss something. She initially didn't like the idea but had no choice but give in.
Rex drove off to Tanchu the following morning.
Rex arrives to meet the absence of his father in law who was at the shore getting some fish for the family. He then called him to inform him of his arrival. Mr. Alfred hurriedly rushed home to meet Rex.
Food was prepared and they ate. After the meal, they went to sit under a mango tree behind the house to discuss why Rex came to visit.
Mr. Alfred: My son, welcome once again. What brings about your unannounced visit once again? Hope all is well?
Rex: Thanks dad for the warm welcome and the meal. Well I came with no bad news, I just decided to come seek some clarification of a few things from you. I deemed it fit to come in person than ask you on phone. I think its not wise.
Mr. Alfred: OK, go ahead. What is it all about?
Rex: Eeerrrm, it's about the ritual you spoke about and the distance you asked me to keep from my wife. I want to know why the ritual should be performed sir.
Mr. Alfred: Hmmm, that's a brilliant question my son. But what I want you to know is, what my daughter has brought to my family is not just a disgrace but a problem to solve, and a very difficult one for that matter.
For the ritual, it's a traditional demand. It's in the family and it must be done for cleansing.
Rex: Really! Hmmmm, I came because it's against our religion as Christians to appease the gods after committing sin to God.
Mr. Alfred: Rex, this has to do with my family, I want to do what's right. I know you don't understand but what I see from where I sit, you can't see it even if you climb this tree we are sitting under.
Rex: I came to suggest if we can rather go see our pastor to pray and break any bond. Should there be any so we can let the ritual be?
Mr. Alfred: you know what Rex, I'm old enough to be your father, what you are suggesting isn't a bad idea but what I know, you don't know that's why I didn't involve you, I just ask you to stay away from my daughter for a while. So kindly do that for me OK. Let's not drag this my son.
Rex: Hmmm, okay dad. That's the only reason why I came here.
Mr. Alfred: Really, what about the real issue at hand? What have you intended doing?
Rex: I haven't thought of anything yet, but the little I know is, as a man I should be able to handle issues in my home. Maybe I'd involve you when necessary.
Mr. Alfred: I sense true love in your speech my son. I know how it feels, I've been in your shoes before. you have spoken well and I pray you are granted the wisdom to do what's right. Once again I'm sorry for what my daughter has caused you. I'd like to know if you have informed your family yet.
Rex: I haven't dad, I actually want to do a few things and I'll decide on what to do. But for now, I've not thought of anything yet.
Mr. Alfred: Well, as you said. U need to handle your home as a man. Let me leave that to you for now.
Rex: Okay dad. Thanks for hosting me. I appreciate.
Mr. Alfred: My pleasure my son. Are you leaving immediately?
Rex: Yes dad, I don't want to drive in the night due to the lock down. And there is also curfew from 6pm.
Mr Alfred: Alright, I was thinking since you are in locked down, you would like us to go take a walk at the sea shore for a while, so so that you can at least move around freely. But I understand, you may leave now my Son!
Rex: Thanks dad. I'll give you a call when I arrive home.
Mr Alfred: Safe journey my son. Bye.
Rex drove back home and informed his in law of his safe arrival.
Rex later realised he left his second phone behind when he was leaving. He checked and it was flooded with calls from Laura the whole day.
Rex returned Laura's call.
*On phone*
Laura: Where have you been Rex? I've been calling all day. No response from you. Hope all is well with you?
Rex: Sorry, I went on a return journey I just got home. I actually left this phone behind.
You called many times, what's the problem?
Laura: Louis left home in the morning and returned about two hours before you called back. I didn't want to call him so I was calling you to know whether you are home and your wife was around.
Rex: Well, I wasn't in town and I met her at home so I can't tell whether she went somewhere or not.
Laura: I seriously suspect they planned to meet, which I'm sure they did. Because I read Louis's actions before he left the house.
Rex: Well, I'll try some tricks to see whether I can verify if she actually went out or not.
Laura: Can you ask your gate man??
Rex: He left to the north to stay with his family amidst the lock down. But don't worry, I'll find out.
Laura: OK, I need to leave you now. You must be tired. Later then. Bye.
Rex took a shower and got to the dinning hall to eat. Ivy went to Rex.
Ivy: Dad, where did you go today? I didn't see you in the morning.
Rex: I went to work my baby girl. Where did you also go?
Ivy: Mummy took me and we went to eat with uncle. He bought me rice and kitchen. (chicken)
Rex: 😊 Its not kitchen Sweetie, it's chicken, say chicken.
Ivy: Chicken.
In the night, Rex stayed in the Sitting room watching movies and sipping wine. He has been chatting Laura throughout the night. They both slept on the chat.